For the first time in history, Saskatchewan will host a national open with the LPGA Tour’s best set to tackle Regina’s Wascana CC.

With 92 of the top 100 players in the Rolex World Rankings committed to play in the 2018 CP Women’s Open August 23-26, the prairies, at least for a week, will finally be called home for the LPGA Tour’s finest.

For the first time, a national golf open will be held in Saskatchewan, as Regina’s Wascana Country Club will play host. For a province that’s so passionate about the game, finally holding an event with the eyes of the world on its backyard is an exciting proposition and Wascana’s GM, Jason Dukart, isn’t taking the honour for granted.

“We feel fortunate to be given this opportunity to be the first host of such a prestigious event in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan has always led the country, or if not, very close to leading the country, in terms of overall golf participation,” Dukart said, noting that club members are excited to welcome the world to Wascana.“I think most members recognize that this is a very unique opportunity and one that brings prestige to the club and with that pride of membership.”

Ryan Paul, who this year assumed the role of CP Women’s Open tournament director, believes that the selected course will be a tremendous stop for the tour.

“The Wascana Country Club is a fabulous facility and will play well for the LPGA Tour players,” Paul said.

Canadian Pacific has sponsored the Women’s Open since 2013 and will continue to do so through 2023 after recently announcing a five-year extension. Along with Golf Canada, it selected Regina for several reasons, including charity, with the tournament having launched the CP Has Heart campaign in 2014 to donate more roughly $6.5 million for local children’s heart charities. This year’s beneficiary will be Saskatchewan’s new Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and along with Canadian superstar Brooke Henderson and four-time LPGA Tour winner Lorie Kane, 10-year-old heart patient Benjamin Fizzard of Regina will be this year’s CP Has Heart ambassador.

“Being able to support a children’s hospital that is up and coming like the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, it was an easy decision for us,” Paul said.

The 17th hole at Wascana will play as the charity hole, with each birdie resulting in a $5,000 donation from CP.

Henderson, from Smiths Falls, Ont., will undoubtedly generate the largest galleries at Wascana. The six-time LPGA Tour champion will be looking to make a big statement in her home country after registering her best finish at the CP Women’s Open at home last year in Ottawa with a tie for 12th.

Paul noted how a young superstar like Henderson can influence a young generation of golfers.

“Your traditional demographic at an event is 40- to 60-year-olds, where someone like Brooke inspires young girls and young boys to take up the game of golf,” Paul said.

Along with other Canadians such as Kane, Alena Sharp and Brittany Marchand, the CP Women’s Open will be infused with some local talent. Saskatoon native and former University of Florida Gator Anna Young received a sponsor’s exemption into the tournament and will get to play an LPGA event in her own province.

Lydia Ko, Ariya Jutanugarn and Lexi Thompson highlight a long list of the world’s best who will be coming to Saskatchewan in August in what should be a tremendous week of golf.